Bill Would Require Public Restrooms In All Shops

Measure Remains In Committee As Lawmakers Work Out Details

UPDATED 7:58 AM EST Mar 06, 2012

COLUMBIA, S.C. -

A bill requiring every shop in South Carolina to open their restrooms to the public was up for debate by a House panel. On Tuesday, debate was adjourned to allow lawmakers more time to work out the details in committee.

The legislation would mandate retailers of all sizes to make their restrooms available to paying or potential customers.

Rep. Robert Williams of Darlington says he introduced the measure after shopping with his elderly relative at a dollar store, and they had to leave when she needed a restroom.

The bill was set for debate Tuesday in Rep. Mac Toole's subcommittee. He saids it's a costly, unfair mandate that appears to be an overreaction.

Some business owners in Greenville were also skeptical about the measure.

"We do understand that there's a need for bathrooms in the downtown area for people who are walking or visiting our area," Frances Gray, owner of Solo West End, told WYFF. "But when you're a small business like mine, your bathroom is not accessible and, therefore, it causes both an inconvenience for the owner as well as the general public."

Jeff Zaglin, owner of the Army Navy Store, said he would not feel comfortable letting the general public use the restroom in the building.

"Our plumbing is almost over one hundred years old," Zaglin told WYFF. "Our facilities are not really suitable for public use, and it's in an area of the building which is not on the ground floor. It's not an easy access to our facility."

Kelly Colacioppo, owner of The Cook's Station, said the store's restroom is marked "private," but she will usually allow customers to use it upon request.

"But we have experienced a lot of mess in the bathroom," Colacioppo said. "It is always us that's having to take care of it, clean it and supply it. It's very hard for me to hear that you have to let somebody use your restroom."

But some shoppers said they would appreciate lawmakers passing such a measure.

"As I'm shopping, I want to feel comfortable. I want to feel welcome in the shop," Janet Niedzwicki told WYFF. "I could just stop, take a little break and then come back to shopping."

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